If people will change the way they think, and think what they can give and not what they can get, there will be a change.

In Ofanim this is the way of thinking.

HOW CAN YOU HELP

Driving education in Israel

Ofanim introduces at-risk youth to the highest quality instructors and after-school enrichment programs in computers, science, math, English, and robotics programs by meeting children where they are- by bringing lessons to them on mobile classrooms on buses and municipal centers. Founded by Israeli social and business entrepreneur, Haim Dahan, Ofanim’s inspiring vision is to empower the next generation of Israeli leaders, scientists and entrepreneurs. Together, we’re driving real change in Israel’s forgotten periphery.

Serving a forgotten Periphery

This year we will extend our reach to 1,400 deserving at-risk youth in over 45 remote villages operating six buses and two light labs. Ofanim helping to enhance lives and provide real futures to communities that have been ignored for decades. For our contributions to Israeli society, the organization was recently awarded Israel’s highest award to nonprofits by the Ministry of Social Welfare.

A Different Way to Learn

Each class, staffed with Israel’s finest undergraduate and graduate students, delivers classes in subjects important for the development of critical and creative thinking skills for young students. Ofanim’s curriculum also includes social skills training and enrichment field trips to major institutions and universities. Students have the opportunity to engage with high level professionals and academics, building on the subjects they have been introduced to through Ofanim. For some, this is the first time they leave their hometown and the first time they are on a college campus; for each and every child, the Ofanim experience transforms the way they see their education and their future.

Ofanim’s Fundraising Guidelines

Please note that, in strict conformance with IRS guidelines, Friends of Ofanim does not accept contributions that are earmarked or required to be distributed to Ofanim or any other organization. The Directors of Friends of Ofanim have complete discretion and control over the ultimate disposition of any contributions received by the organization. While donors may suggest that their gifts be used for a specific purpose, these requests are non‐binding on Friends of Ofanim. This ensures that gifts made to Friends of Ofanim are tax‐deductible and that Friends of Ofanim fulfills its duties and obligations as a U.S. tax‐exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Code. Donors may make unrestricted contributions to Friends of Ofanim, and in these cases, the Directors will determine the manner in which contributed funds will be used.

Did you know?

Ofanim’s Impact on Israeli Matriculation Scores

Upcoming Events

About 15 years ago on a chairlift in Vail, Colo., Haim Dahan asked his longtime friend Paul Silberberg to be the chairman of his nonprofit, Friends of Ofanim.
“We were getting toward the top, and he wasn’t going to let me off until I agreed to be the chairperson. … I just wanted to survive,” Silberberg said with a laugh. “I love him, and I loved the idea, and I love Israel … so I said yes.”
Friends of Ofanim is the philanthropy that supports Ofanim, which Dahan started to provide education to students, third through sixth grade, who live on the periphery of Israel. Mentors, who are Israeli …